North Fork Community Development Council

Minutes of
October 24, 2011 Board Meeting.

Call to Order: 5:40PM

Board Members Present: Dan Rosenberg, Sandy Chaille, Diann Miller,
Steve Mitchell, Janet Wheeler, Julie Konno, Tom Burdette.

Guests: Sarah Rah, Barney Berrier, Joan Constable, Dee Shaffer,
Dolores Hadden, Volney Dunlevy

Public Comment:

• Question from Barney Berrier about result of Wednesday last conference call with TSS regarding changes to report. Tom Burdette reported three changes covering two topics. The report was amended to remove any mention of CDC Board approving of report and recommendation to create a Biomass power plant at Mill Site. Additionally, the identification of Phoenix Power as the preferred vendor was removed, with them only being identified as an example of how a biomass plant might work at the site.
• Sarah Rah reported on her attendance at a Red Cross Emergency Workshop. Materials from workshop were handed out at Chili Cookoff, and will also be distributed at Trunk or Treat.

Approval of Minutes:
Deferred until all Board Members can read and respond. Vote at next regular Board Meeting. email Dan with comments/changes.

Treasurers Report:
Report distributed, and approved. Sandy moved/Steve second. Unanimous.

Discussion/Action Items:

1. Biomass
   • Discussion on interest in CDC involvement in change/additional scope of work/deliverables to existing RBEG grant to RCD. Change would spend $7K of existing grant to do three things. Perform Technology review and develop vendor matrix for a Biomass Power plant, Develop an RFP to gauge vendor interest and identify candidates, and help develop an MOU for Phase II of project. Question to be answered: Does CDC want to go forward in exploring a Biomass Power Project at Mill Site?
   • An additional grant of $75K, might be available to assist in development of project design and permitting if Biomass Power is found to be viable and wanted.
   • Comments from floor; Barney offered that a sound business model need to be developed to support the development of any facility. CDC needs to understand it needs to understand the technologies available before it can make an intelligent decision about what technology to follow. He also handed out flyer describing one firms system.
   • (EnergyFlex) Sarah asked if we have a voice in amending deliverables if we go forward with support? Also asked where documentation is that shows biomass facility a good fit for mill site? Any new report needs to show this need/site justification. We need to have direct involvement with any future reports, activity. A real needs assessment must be completed.
   • She added the $75K grant requires applicant to own property so CDC needs to be really involved in process. Finally, she stated we need to contact energy associations that are involved with small scale projects to help in how scope of work is developed.
   • Dee Shaffer was concerned about environmental noise and pollution. Cautioned board to be careful with process.
   • Dolores Hadden was concerned about health issues of plant and the change to the local rural environment.
   • Board Member comments; Janet not sure this would be best use of mill site, and wondered how it would affect both existing site tenants as well as the type of site user it would attract in the future. She also wanted to know who would make the final selection on vendor(s)? Sandy responded that most of the jobs produced by plant would be in the surrounding forest, not the Mill Site. Dan added that it would be an incentive to attract new site users because there would be the possibility to lock in low electric rates for users on the site, as well as the surrounding area.
   • Julie asked if there was a timeframe attached to this new phase of grant. Dan said, not yet. But would probably be a part of amendment approval.
   • Tom stated his concerns about impact of 1000+ truck trips a into the site if power plant built. What community benefits would be derived from power plant? Would it change the nature of the Mill Site’s future users from what has been identified in past planning? That community needs to be informed and needs to know what is a possible development on the Mill Site. This needs to be in the amended scope of work plan. But, we need to continue the process to see if the Biomass Power plant is viable.
   • Sandy said we have to be willing to go forward with having a biomass facility on the site.
   • Motion, moved and seconded. Sandy/Diann
     • CDC will continue to move forward with process to develop a Biomass Power facility on the Mill Site. vote: unanimous aye. 
   • After vote Diann offered additional information about small scale biomass plants to augment larger plant. See her or Dan for info. Dan called for persons on and off the board to be involved in process.
2. Crossroad Fire suppression
   • Dan reported latest estimate to fix is $34+K. This is due to pipe bursts, rust, etc. Nothing happening now Dan will discuss further with Marc, and find out about insurance impact.
3. Basement Leaks
   • Excavation and sealing done. Now wait and see before backfill to determine if leak fixed.
4. Designation of funds to savings for BRLF loan
   • Moved, Seconded, Passed to move $1,500 to savings. Tom/Julie.
   • Unanimous.
5. Mural
   • Joan Constable reported by note materials cost for mural repair, $111. She also asked for volunteers to help with graffiti cleanup on Tuesdays/Thursdays when she would be available for direction.
   • Discussion followed on how mural maintenance might become a more community- wide supported activity. Various board members agreed to contact other organizations about idea and support commitments.
   • Motion: Moved, Seconded, Passed. CDC will commit $150 to Mural Project Support and Maintenance if other organizations in community will match amount. Tom, Steve, unanimous. 
6. RV park
   • Park has been approved with heavy conditions.
7. Alpine Sierra
   • Dan reported recovery of rent a dead issue. Diann reported on potential uses of stumps. Could be used a barriers to property entrance along fences. Could be used to develop small scale Mushroom farms. See Diann for info.
8. North Fork Totem
   • Nothing new, Janet will call Pat for update and report.
9. Committee Reports
   • Real Estate
     • Dan reported new email from Marc, will forward to rest of Board for comment.
   • Planning
     • Changed date to Nov. 14th at 6pm. Will have more discussion with John Reed and idea of phased development, county will also attend.
   • Rec Trail
     • Has been partially cleared. Dan will verify map available on web site.
   • Cosmic
     • Julie and Dave are working on publishing a calendar for next year to identify dates without moon interference. KJEL may publicize with psa’s.
   • No Other Reports

New Business

• Vacancy for At Large Board Member present. If you know of someone forward name to Dan.
• Tom reported on beginning photo shoot by Mike Enswyler of area around saws that might become an art project for site. More next month.

No Organizational Reports

Adjourn at 8:07PM